As an avid coffee drinker, I’m thrilled when a new coffee shop is coming to town.

Welcoming CARIBOU COFFEE to my hometown, Jakarta! Originally based in Minnesota, this is their first ever coffee shop in South East Asia. 

Thanks to the good people at Caribou Coffee Indonesia who invited me to try their coffee and food. FYI, I didn’t finish all of them, they served me like a queen. LOL. 

So what differ Caribou from other coffee shop or chain here? They serve real chocolate drinks. With real chocolate chips, not syrup nor powder. And of course, the highest-quality of beans including from our own Sumatra and Java. 

The ambience is very homey, especially on the second floor. They have outdoor terrace to accommodate smokers, too. Plus, do expect lots of mommies with their kids in this latest hip coffee shop, since it’s located just beside a hair salon. And mommies shouldn’t feel guilty too, because Caribou serve Kids’ drinks. Awesome, right? I warned you, the coffee scent already blasting when you’re still outside their door. Yes, it’s that powerful!

So, what did I love best from Caribou after I tried so many? Here they are:

TURTLE MOCCA: I prefer the hot ones, it taste heavenly. From dark, milk or white chocolate, I opted for dark as I love the after taste. So the dark chocolate will be melted into steamed milk, combined with espresso and caramel. Then, it topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce & Snickers. No surprise that this is one of their signature drink and best seller, too!

PRETZEL SMOKED BEEF & BRIE: This is one of the ‘locally adapted’ food in Caribou (they have the smoked ham version in the US). Since I love oven toasted sandwich, rather than the cold ones, this is a winner. And I’m surprised how the pretzel look-alike bread was softer than I thought. 

STRAWBERRY TART: I mean, look at that fresh strawberries. Perfect mix of the sourness of the strawberries, the buttery pie crumb and the not too sweet cream. I LOVE THIS!

The history of how Caribou Coffee was found. Yes, it involved a bunch of Caribous in Alaska!

Since every drink is handcrafted just for you, expect a slower serving time. But nevertheless, it’s worth to wait for something awakening. 

CARIBOU COFFEE 
Jl. Senopati 52
Jakarta Selatan
Open from 6.30 AM daily

PHOTOS: SHINTA ROSVITA